By a 48 - 27 percent margin, New York City voters say they would vote for an unnamed
Democratic candidate against Mayor Michael Bloomberg running for reelection,
according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.

Mayor Bloomberg's approval rating is 48 - 41 percent, up from his lowest-ever 41
- 46 percent in a November 21, 2002, poll by the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-
ack) University.

Only 20 percent of voters see Bloomberg as liberal, while 36 percent say he is
moderate and 33 percent say he is conservative. Bloomberg is "too liberal," 16 percent
of New York City voters say, while 30 percent say he is "too conservative" and 42
percent say he is "about right."

"Mayor Bloomberg's job approval is creeping up out of the cellar, where we found
it when the mayor was in the middle of raising taxes," said Maurice Carroll, director of
the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

"But New Yorkers still go to their political roots and say they'd vote for the
Democrat running against Bloomberg. That 'Billionaire Mayor' tag is sticking, as half of
the voters don't think Mayor Mike cares about people like them. Most voters, however,
say Bloomberg is a strong leader."

By a 57 - 38 percent margin, voters say Bloomberg has strong leadership qualities.
But only 41 percent say he cares about their needs and problems, while 53 percent say he
doesn't.

Bloomberg's approval ratings for handling key issues are:

Negative 35 - 54 percent for handling the city budget;

47 - 41 percent for handling public schools;

Negative 32 - 59 percent for handling taxes;

60 - 30 percent for handling crime.

Bloomberg has not been aggressive enough in seeking state financial help from
Gov. George Pataki, 48 percent of New York City voters say, while 8 percent say he has
been too aggressive and 35 percent say the Mayor's approach has been "about right."

"When chasing flies - or Albany dollars - should Mayor Bloomberg use honey or
vinegar? Many New Yorkers say bring on the vinegar, although there is a hefty pro-
honey faction," Carroll said.

With a 68 - 18 percent approval rating, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly has the
highest score of any city-wide official measured. Approval ratings for other officials are:

From February 19 - 24, Quinnipiac University surveyed 889 New York City
registered voters, with a margin of error of +/- 3.3 percent.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts
public opinion surveys in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and
nationwide as a public service and for research.

For additional data -- www.quinnipiac.edu or call (203) 582-5201

1. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Michael Bloomberg is handling
his job as Mayor?

31. Thinking about Mayor Bloomberg's approach to seeking state financial help
for New York City, do you think Mayor Bloomberg has been too aggressive in his
approach to Governor Pataki, not aggressive enough, or about right?